Many city leaders looking for ways to support children and families’ health and well-being are turning to nature-based solutions. These solutions are inspired by nature to address a number of city priorities from climate resilience to improving physical health to enhancing green space, tree canopy and community development.
Examples of these solutions can range from turning an asphalt school playground into a green schoolyard that also serves as stormwater prevention. It can mean incorporating downed tree stumps, rocks and a creek into a local park space. Another example includes an effort to provide physicians and families with tools to access public green spaces as a prescription for better health.
City leaders nationwide recognize that nature-based strategies are vital for improving children’s health and well-being. They understand that children’s mental and emotional well-being improves when they spend time in nature, that outdoor play not only enhances physical activity, reducing the risk of childhood obesity, but also fosters better concentration, self-regulation and stress reduction. This commitment is reflected in the more than 70 communities participating in the national network of Nature Everywhere Communities, a partnership between NLC, the Children & Nature Network and KABOOM!
Drawing from years of experience supporting cities in implementing nature-based solutions to improve children’s health, NLC is offering an NLCU course to share that knowledge and support even more cities. The course, Nature Everywhere Action Challenge, will meet weekly between April and June 2025. It aims to help cities implement strategies to ensure children grow up with regular access to nature and green space. Along with faculty, tools and resources drawn from NLC, Children & Nature Network and KABOOM!, and examples from the 70+ cities already committed to the Nature Everywhere Communities initiative, course participants will learn how to reduce “nature deficit disorder” and realize the promise of “more green, less screen.”
Part of the lessons from the course will include these five key steps to build coalitions that will support a city’s ability to integrate nature’s benefits into children’s daily lives:
1. Build a Cross-Sector Team
For real change at the systems level, coordinated efforts among municipal agencies, school districts and community-based organizations are essential. A cross-sector team serves as a bridge, facilitating shared goals, pooling resources and leveraging community knowledge. This is the first step for any community looking to join the Nature Everywhere Communities initiative.
2. Create a Vision for Accessing Nature’s Benefits
A strong vision aligns community partners toward a common goal, setting the course for local children-and-nature initiatives. Through public engagement, cities can define their purpose, core values and long-term aspirations. A clear vision statement serves as a “north star” that guides partners in their collaborative efforts.
3. Engage the Community
Community engagement is crucial for understanding residents’ needs and securing buy-in. Involving youth, families and local organizations ensures that nature-based solutions are relevant and impactful. Hosting youth engagement events, for example, allows young voices to shape city plans and reinforces the commitment to their well-being.
4. Conduct a Landscape Scan
A comprehensive scan of local policies, stakeholders, assets, and opportunities, often called a landscape scan, provides valuable insights into existing efforts and potential collaborations. This process helps cities identify gaps, maximize resources and acknowledge past efforts, demonstrating a commitment to building upon previous successes rather than starting from scratch.
5. Secure Pledges of Support
Endorsements from local officials — such as mayors, city managers and superintendents — signal strong institutional commitment to nature’s role in child development. These pledges can help galvanize additional support, attract partnerships and legitimize the coalition’s mission. Official proclamations or resolutions can also serve as powerful tools for maintaining momentum.
Take the Next Step with NLC University
Is your city ready to take action? If you’re interested in advancing efforts to improve children’s well-being through nature-based strategies, the National League of Cities (NLC) invites you to join the NLC University Nature Everywhere Action Challenge.
Participating cities will gain access to a wealth of resources, and become a Nature Everywhere Action Challenge Community. Benefits include:
- A National Peer Learning Network: Connect with nearly 70 communities committed to equitable access to nature, including access to The Trailhead, an online resource hub for nature connection leaders.
- City-Specific Equity Mapping: Receive expert support to develop an equity map identifying areas of disproportionate need.
- Tools and Resources: Leverage insights from nearly a decade of experience supporting cities in enhancing nature-based solutions for children.
- Promotional Materials: Gain national recognition as an Action Challenge Community with access to an official badge, a national map placement and press release templates.
With support from NLC University staff and a network of Nature Everywhere Communities, cities can maximize their impact in using nature to enhance children’s health and well-being.
The research is clear. The network is active. The learning community is ready. Now is the time to take action.
Become a Nature Everywhere Community with NLCUniversity
Place your city in the forefront of efforts to connect children to nature more
equitably and learn how to receive nationwide recognition for doing so with this free course from NLCUniversity. Along with faculty and tools and resources drawn from NLC, Children & Nature Network, and KABOOM!, and examples from the 70+ cities already committed to the Nature Everywhere Communities initiative, course participants from your city will learn how to reduce “nature deficit disorder” and realize the promise of “more green, less screen.”
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